How Harrison Ford keeps fit in his 80s
The 9 workout tools actor Harrison Ford uses to stay so fit at 82.
The 9 workout tools actor Harrison Ford uses to stay so fit at 82.
He might be in his 80s (he turned 83 in July 2025), but Harrison Ford is still cracking the whip as Indiana Jones.
The latest instalment, 2023's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, saw him team up with Phoebe Waller-Bridge for the first Indy outing in 15 years, and he’s still got that movie-star magic.
Ford has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, starring in huge action blockbusters such as Apocalypse Now, Blade Runner and, of course, the Star Wars films.
Demanding roles require a good level of physical fitness, and Ford has been open about needing to look after himself as he ages. But just how does he stay so fit in his 80s?
When it comes to exercise, ‘do what you enjoy’ is a good mantra. Not only are you more likely to want to do it in the first place, but you’re more likely to stick to it.
Speaking on The Ellen Show in 2020, Ford said: “I don’t work out like crazy. I work out a bit. I mean I ride bikes and I play tennis.”
His love of cycling was evident when filming Indiana Jones in Northumberland in 2021.
Despite gruelling 11-hour night shoots that finished at 5am, Ford was seen heading out on long bike rides after just six hours’ sleep.
Indy co-star Mads Mikkelsen gave The Hollywood Reporter some insight into Ford’s fitness: “It was the first time I'd met him, and he’s an insanely powerful person,” he said.
“Not just as an actor, but physically. I remember the first day we were shooting, it was a night shoot, then we stopped at 5am – and then he got on his mountain bike and went biking for 50 kilometres (31 miles)."
"Harrison is a monster of a man, a very nice monster” – Mads Mikkelsen
Speaking to USA Today in 2020, Ford summed up his fitness as follows: “I’m healthy, I enjoy being active and fit. I’m aware of keeping my old [butt] in shape.”
Cycling offers many options. If you’re a fair-weather cyclist, you can head to the gym if it’s raining to use an indoor bike or take part in a spin class.
Outside, you have the choice of following one of the UK's cycling networks or going off-road for some mountain biking.
Personal trainer and fitness instructor Julia Buckley highlights some of the benefits of cycling:
Ab wheels are great tools for strengthening your core, and it seems Ford is a fan.
They’re not as popular as they once were, owing to the advancements in gym equipment, meaning we have so much more to choose from, but they’re still great for working out at home.
They’re very reasonably priced, too, starting at around £9.
Appearing on The Ellen Show in 2017, Ford revealed he has a gym at home and does “weights and wheels”, demonstrating an ab wheel.
“You do the old-fashioned wheel thing on your knees?” Ellen DeGeneres asked, with Ford confirming.
Not only is Ford reaping the benefits of strength training by using weights, he will be maintaining strength in his stomach and lower back by using the ab wheel – important as we age to help avoid lower back issues by keeping good posture.
Buckley shares her top tips for getting started with an ab wheel at home:
When it comes to a healthy diet, Ford adopts a clean-eating approach, telling DeGeneres he eats “practically nothing”, before further clarifying that he mainly sticks to fish and vegetables.
“It’s really boring,” he added.
Ford might not be enamoured with his diet of choice, but eating fish has many health benefits – researchers have found that people who regularly eat omega-3-rich foods, such as sardines, are less likely to develop hearing issues.
Oily fish is also rich in vitamin D and could help to prevent heart disease.
Said Ford: “I just decided I was tired of eating meat, and I know it’s not really good for the planet and it’s not really good for me.”
A lifelong environmentalist, Ford addressed the UN in 2019 on the importance of protecting rainforests.
We examine the science and how to best look after our brain as we get older.
Want to start winter mornings feeling energised? Follow these five simple tips.
Expert nutritionists break down the most important foods to eat in each decade as we get older.
Your neighbourhood pharmacist now offers a surprising number of services.
10 simple alternative items that can have a big effect on your health – without depriving you.
New measures for GP appointments are in the headlines, but what effect will they have for you when it comes to getting to see a doctor?
Everything you need to know about the lung infection, and how you could be ill with “walking” pneumonia without realising it.
